Computer won't turn on

OKAY--I know the first question is going to be ... is it plugged in. Yes it is, and I've tried different places to plug in, but it still won't work. I opened it up to install a dvd-burner I had just bought, and then after I had finished, I closed the chassis, and now it won't turn on, I press the button and nothing happens. I opened it up and unconnected all the wires to the cd-rom and the dvd rom. to try to find the exact problem, but nothing fixed it. You hae to have the chassisi closed to turn it on, so I was wondering if maybe the "trigger" just wasn't hitting the thing it tiggers... but I don't really think that is it. Isn't the light suppose to turn on or osmething once its plugged in.. isn't that normal for computers? well the light doens't turn on. Can you give me a trouble shooting list to do? Please... I can't think what is wrong w/ it

 

Do you happen to have a second power on button on the rear of the case for the actual power supply?

 

Good suggestion Aleekat.
If he has a PSU with a rocker switch on the rear apron, he should make sure the "1" on the switch is depressed inward.

Daddad

 

Hmm

The only 'switch' i see is a red switch which i think is for different electrical thingsn like european v. american .. Its on the same setting as my computer that is working. What else could be wrong

 

Yes BriGuy, that is the 120-240 VAC switch, leave it where it is (120VAC) if you reside in the USA.

Possible other causes would be:

defective power cord
Defective on-off switch
loose or disconnected on-off switch connector to the motherboard.
interlock somewhere on the case not closed (not likely)

I suggest you re-seat the ATX multi cable connector that connects from your power supply to the motherboard.

Hope this helps.

Daddad

 

I don't know so much if it would be a faulty swtich or things like that since it worked perfectly well before I opened it. I do regret to say taht I did hear a static shock noise when I had the chassis opened... so could that have destoryed something so mcuh as so it won't even turn on. Another thing I am wondering is I have tampered w/ taht red switch before and I wonder if its suppose to "pop" up after its switched over.. You have to press it down and move it left or right, and now its in the right position, but I wonder if it should be up more thus not letting the power work? But I think that isn't the problem. I have tried using a different power cord to no avail

 

BriGuy, that "static shock noise" you refer to sounds ominous.
Also, if that "red switch" has "popped out" that could be a mains circuit breaker.

Again, I don't know where you're located (your profile did not indicate that), if you're in the USA, put the switch to 120VAC.
If you are in Europe, it should be in the 240 VAC position.
If that switch has popped out, try pushing it back in and apply the power cord.

If it pops out again, there is an overload somewhere, either your power supply or something on the motherboard itself or elsewhere.
I will wait for a reply to my suggestions and perhaps offer further advice based on what your reply indicates.

Daddad

 

sorry, I do live in the usa, and the switch is in the right position. That static shock couldnt' have ruined things so much as it wno't even turn on could it? Assuming it didn't want else could be wrong?

 

BriGuy, your postings here are very difficult to read and/or understand, please try to proof read and correct words that are obviously misspelled.

Having said that, YES !! perhaps, that "static shock noise" you heard could very well have destroyed something beyond repair.

Try my suggestions and post back.
This time in a manner I can understand

Daddad

 

I suggest you re-seat the ATX multi cable connector that connects from your power supply to the motherboard.---already did it

 

Depending on your knowledge and experience with electronics, the next step would be to troubleshoot the unit with a digital volt/ohm meter.
Aside from that, the only other option would be to take it to a local computer repair shop.

Daddad

 

A static discharge can fry those small electronics in an instant, most of them on the motherboard run at far less than 5 volts. Static is a big reason they make grounding cords for the wrist.
If lucky, it just could be the less expensive power supply, give it a voltage check, if it goes well, you may have a destroyed motherboard.

 

I do not in anyway mean that the lines below apply to ths post but just something that I have run into it.

This problem can possibly be related right back to home wiring if it is not done properly.

In one home I went to the suppsedly three prong wall outlet was not wired properly with the 3rd wire. ( that is why an adapter was being used ) In fact when I checked further I found more than half of the home not wired properly.

Question asked. Why Not ? Answer was "Don't need it. " I found the Electrition that did the work and it was " Fix it properly ( FREE OF CHARGE) or lose your license. ( he did not have one to lose ) I just could not stand back and see somebody get hurt or lose their home because of sloppy work.

Not only no Grounding but I also found Colored and White wires reversed IN THE MAIN PANEL I believe that this can also be dangerous to some electronic equipment.

I myself have a special outlet with nothing but the grounding wire on it. ( no hot wires at all ) This gets plugged in BEFORE even attempting to install a new MB or add/remove hardware.

But then I run into another problem ( due to insufficent memory ) the darn PC will not power up no matter how many times I push the button.

markp62
Static is a big reason they make grounding cords for the wrist.

This is very true. But does no good if the home wiring is not up to par and/or the power cord is not pluggged in.

Atmospheric conditions, type of clothing being warn, the type of carpet you may be walking on, shoes or bare feet all play a part.

BillyBob

 

I suppose I'll take it to the local computer place to see if they can find out what's wrong. Maybe I'll just have to finally get an upgrade if it is fried

 

Very good point, BillyBob!
The proper wiring is exactly what is in mind when you have a two prong polarized plug [one prong larger than the other], and to hear "don't need it" in proper wiring can have serious consequences.
I like the idea of a special outlet just for grounding purposes.

 

Ummmm

May be dumb, but did you check to see if the power button was still connected to the mobo?

I installed a controller card in my system and when I turned it on, NOTHING! Went crazy for 3 days till I discovered that I pulled the connector from the mobo by accident.

 

All the other suggestions are excellent, but let's approach it for a moment from a more simple-minded viewpoint--and I refer to myself, not to you. I have had computers not respond for a day or two after opening while I went through contorted rescue operations, only to find that the power cord was not seated properly in the power supply of the machine. Whether that makes it a problem with the power supply or with the power cord--or with the computer operator--is moot but instructive. Most of my insurmountable problems are ones I have caused myself through negligence--and then scoffed at anyone who suggested a simple answer--often on this BBS....Also, I know of at least one computer that requires a small internal power cord to be plugged in in order for it to be turned on, and, most inconveniently, that little plug tends to come out or loose when you remove the cover...And you fail to mention plugging some other device that is known to work, like a normal fan, for instance, into the wall socket. You said you tried the computer in more than one wall connection, but not whether you tested the socket itself....Okay, back to the more complicated stuff.